Passionate about children’s literature, eager to make accessible an abundant universe, populated by dedicated and talented authors, illustrators, publishers, Valérie Léger, organizer and co-founder of the event, and her acolytes have concocted a 3e edition of the Montreal Children’s Literature Festival which allows children to immerse themselves in this world that belongs to them.
First born of the extension of the literary blog Page par Page, founded in 2016 by Valérie Léger and Françoise Conea — in which some children’s texts sometimes appeared — the idea of creating a children’s literature festival quickly snowballed in the small team. “We created an NPO in 2017, then we formed a board that has seven women. Everyone had their own vision of what a children’s literature party could be and it became much bigger than what we had in mind at the beginning. The artists got on board from the first year,” explains Valérie Léger enthusiastically on the phone.
The festival is an open door to children’s literature, a big free party: “We’ve been holding on to it since day one”, explains the co-organizer of the event. “We not only want to attract families who already have access to this, but also attract newcomers, less privileged families. […] in short, it’s a day where we want all children to feel welcome. » Faithful to this mission, the committee makes sure each year to improve the offer and to broaden the horizons: « We are concerned that people feel represented at the Festival. This year, for the first time, we formed an association with AQEPA (Quebec Association for children with hearing problems), so the hearing impaired will be welcomed by the organization that will be present, but also by interpreters. We also talk about cultural diversity, sexual diversity; we are convinced that children’s literature is a good way to open up to the world, to have discussions,” explains Valérie Léger.
The varied program is also a reflection of this mission. This festival is 26 exhibitors, including twenty publishing houses present. There are also interactive activities, meetings with artists — in particular Marianne Dubuc, Jacques Goldstyn, Simon Boulerice, spokesperson for the event, Sarahmée, who will present her children’s book (My skinKata editor) and talk about diversity — and theater, with the Motus company and its fabulous Baobaba story inspired by an African tale.
Now well established, increasingly appreciated and known to the general public, Quebec children’s literature continues to gain interest thanks to artists and publishers who work meticulously and seriously to offer quality works to children. Thirty-something Valérie Léger is aware and proud of this richness she has recently discovered. “We realize that we, our generation, we didn’t really know children’s authors, and there, it’s changing, we realize that young people in elementary school have idols of children’s literature in Quebec. I’m thinking of Cara Carmina, Marianne Dubuc, Jacques Goldstyn […] I find this beautiful. Some children have idols, like hockey players, soccer players, but for others, they are the illustrator authors. »
The importance of being able to meet the artists, talk to them, discuss and ensure closeness with them remains one of the most important objectives of this day. “The first year, I saw a little boy who absolutely wanted to talk to Jacques Goldstyn because he had an idea for his next book and wanted to explain it to him. The Festival, in its current format, allows this rapprochement in a setting that is quite calm, ”says, moved, Valérie Léger.
This party, organized mainly for children – who can bring their parents if they want, underlines the co-founder laughingly –, relies on this accessible, friendly formula, at the height of these little beings who are thirsty to discover reading. “Simon said so in year one. Just put the right book, at the right time in the hands of a child and it can change a life. And we deeply believe in it. We want to create this for children […] like a full-scale sports day, but a full-scale children’s literature day, on steroids a bit (laughs). It remains our fuel to all. To amaze the children, to create close ties with the estate,” concludes hopeful Valérie Léger.